The **Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation** (AMOC) transports heat northward across the **Atlantic Ocean** and is crucial for the **climate** and **marine ecosystems**.
Currently, it is weaker than at any other time in the last 1000 years, possibly due to **global warming**.
Studies and Findings
A new study in Nature Geoscience suggests that the recent weakening of the AMOC may be explained by the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and Canadian glaciers.
The results show that with a global warming of 2°C, the AMOC could weaken by a third of what it was 70 years ago, bringing significant **climatic** and **ecosystemic changes**.
Impact on Climate and Ecosystems
The weakening of ocean circulation could result in faster warming in the southern hemisphere, harsher winters in Europe, and a weakening of the **tropical monsoons** in the northern hemisphere. Simulations suggest that these changes could occur sooner than expected.
Monitoring and Analysis of Changes
The Atlantic circulation has been continuously monitored since 2004, but a long-term analysis is needed to **understand the changes**.
Estimates based on sediments suggest that the AMOC is the weakest in the last millennium, weakening by 20% since the mid-20th century.
Atlantic Connection
Research shows that the North and South Atlantic Oceans are more connected than previously thought.
The **reduction of heat and salt** in the North Atlantic has led to greater accumulation in the South Atlantic. Changes in the North Atlantic are felt in the south in less than two decades.
Future Projections
A rapid decline in the AMOC in the coming decades could significantly alter the climate and ecosystems.
Harsher winters are expected in Europe, drier conditions in the northern tropics, and hotter and wetter summers in the southern hemisphere. The rapid melting of **ice sheets** will further accelerate these climatic changes.
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